Postgraduate Publishing studies at Edinburgh Napier University. INDUSTRY APPROVED Publishing degrees (accredited by the Professional Publishers Association and Creative Skillset). MSc Publishing was the first Publishing programme in the UK to be accredited by the Professional Publishers Association (PPA). It is now accredited by Creative Skillset (only one of two courses to hold this award). MSc Magazine Publishing is the only course of its kind in Scotland and is the only publishing course in the UK to be accredited by the PPA. The PPA is the lead body for best practice in training, development and people management for the magazine and business media industry.

Making the Most of Your Student Days: Advice I’d Give to Future Publishing Students

After making it to the end of the second trimester of the publishing course here at Napier, I’ve already found myself starting to reflect over the past nine months that I’ve spent as a publishing student. With a dissertation still to tackle alongside job-hunting over the summer, things are far from over yet. But following the end of taught classes and the first signs of summer weather, there’s one question that I’ve found keeps popping into my head: where on earth has the time gone? It’s been a whirlwind of a year in the most brilliant way possible, and so I thought I’d share my top three simple pieces of advice I’d give to future publishing students so that they can make the most of their time on the course.

Say ‘yes’ to as much as possible

The MSc Publishing course at Napier will provide you with a thorough understanding of the publishing process and give you the opportunity to practise the skills you learn through live projects. However, it is also important to pay attention to learning opportunities outside the course so that you can develop your experience and knowledge of the industry on an even wider scale. Become an SYP member, attend industry events, and take on as many work experience opportunities as you can manage. It may seem like a lot, and at times it will be, but once you’ve found your own balance and way of managing things, it’ll all become worth it.

2. Never stop asking questions

One of the greatest things about being a publishing student is that the industry is full of lovely people who will go out of their way to help you in any way they can. Make the most of these opportunities and never be afraid to ask questions. Reach out to people at industry events – the word ‘networking’ is one which strikes fear into the souls of many (myself included), but simply by asking someone a question, not only will you further your learning, but you may also find yourself ‘networking’ without even realising it (gasp!).

3. Look out for each other and enjoy it!

Amidst all the stresses of deadlines, placement applications and part-time work, it may at times be easy to forget what a brilliant position you’re in as a student surrounded by so many like-minded people. Never forget to help each other out along the way, and never forget to take the time to enjoy all the perks of being a student, as the time will absolutely fly by, and this may be the last time you can enjoy ‘the student life’ before entering the big bad world of work.